QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
According to Mr. Paul Pruangkarn, the Pacific Asia Travel Association ( PATA ), there are both revenue and social benefits to wooing “quality over quantity” in the form of people who are willing to lay down medium-term roots in their nation and local economy.
” If I’m just looking at revenue generation, yes, I’m going to look at those long pull areas and those modern nomads. Because they are going to be lengthy, they’re going to invest more.
Additionally, he said,” You saw some of the backlash from communities against tourists too recently in Barcelona,” referring to situations where local activists harassed international customers on city roads over high rent costs due to a rise in Airbnb ads, the closure of local businesses in favor of tourist-focused organizations, and poor problems for service workers.
40 million customers should be expected by the Thai authorities by 2024. According to Mr. Pruangkarn, it is necessary to “walk a line” between ensuring that the private sector, including hotels and airlines, can enjoy the highest levels of customer numbers while maintaining both a sustainable business and social unity.
” It’s definitely that’s things that we’re keeping an eye on.  , We need to be able to stabilize people, income and the world, especially now out of COVID when one’s rushing to find customers and to make money, “he said.
The country’s continuous expansion also has a negative impact on infrastructure and, in turn, the experience of foreigners entering and leaving the country, he said. This is something that longer stays may at least help with in some ways.
In order to reduce arrival and departure bottlenecks, Thailand’s major airports will have capacity expansion projects in the upcoming years.  ,
Importantly, that will include the big growth of U-Tapao global airport, close to Pattaya, expected to start this year and a high-speed road network to connect it with Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Meuang flights, with performs slated to begin in 2025.
” There is pressure on our entry and exit infrastructure, particularly at popular airports, border crossings, and during peak season. Some of these pressures could be relieved by a preference for quality tourism over quantity, according to Mr. Nithee.
He stated that the TAT will collaborate with its tourism partners to provide special packages or discounts to tourists who stay longer in Thailand and promote year-round travel.  ,
” Longer stays provide more stable tourism income, helping to smooth out seasonal fluctuations, “he said.
” When we talk about “quality tourists”, we’re referring to travellers who bring more than just economic value to a destination. These individuals stay longer, immerse themselves in local culture, and prioritise sustainable and responsible travel practices.
They want a meaningful experience that will allow them to connect with the place they’re visiting more deeply, he said.
Mr. Pruangkarn predicted that governments would continue to adjust their immigration policies in the triumfant tourism sector. Thailand may have been slower than other countries to welcome a new breed of workers, but he thinks it is aware of their contribution.  ,
” Am I surprised it took so long? Yes. Why did it take so long, exactly? Of course. I think there are challenges”, he said.
” But you have to stay competitive. You have to say, what can I do to make sure that I’m one step ahead of my neighbour”?